UK5G Launched

UK5G launches today (Monday 26th March) to support the development of the UK as a global leader in the development and adoption of 5G.

Endorsed and funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the UK5G innovation network brings together organisations across the 5G eco-system, including our world-class research base, technology providers, investment, regulators and, crucially, vertical industry partners yet to appreciate the benefits of next generation connectivity.

Specifically, UK5G will:

• Build and nurture a community that brings together industry, researchers and research organisations, the public sector, entrepreneurs, innovators and end users to accelerate the UK’s development and take-up of 5G

• Share the knowledge and lessons of emerging 5G R&D activities

• Enable new introductions and collaborations between technologists, potential new entrants and major industrial adopters

• Provide an up to date information source for industry; a clear location for research, technology and industry collaboration; and an attractive offer for overseas businesses wishing to understand the advantages of investment into the UK and its test-bed network

• In partnership with Government, support inward and outward investment opportunities

• Promote Knowledge Building and sharing through Working Groups, Members’ Events etc.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the UK to build and enhance its position in the implementation of the next generation of mobile communication – and the end-goal is to help these technologies rapidly transform our societies and economic performance. We encourage all interested parties to become involved in the building of this community”

UK5G Advisory Board:

As part of its launch today, UK5G is also announcing the membership of its Advisory Board. The Board will provide advice, guidance and support for the aims of the network, as well as providing impartial, industry-focused advice to DCMS on its future plans for 5G development.

The Board is a balance of members from both the supply side (providers of technology, infrastructure, operators, services) and the demand side (customers and potential customers of 5G), drawn from the 5G ecosystem.

Rosalind Singleton, Chair of UK5G’s Advisory Board said: “UK5G is a wonderful opportunity for industry and our research base to work hand in hand with Government to help promote the development of 5G, through test bed and trials funding, policy-making and network support”.

Ian Smith, DCMS, 5G Testbeds and Trials Programme Director said: “The Government are determined that the UK be a world-leader in 5G and that we provide reliable, high-speed connectivity to our towns, cities and rural areas. We are rightly very excited about what UK5G can do for the growing 5G ecosystem in the UK, to help make that vision a reality. I’m delighted to endorse UK5G’s very impressive Advisory Board membership and look forward to working closely with them as we develop future plans for the 5G Programme.”

List of current UK5G Advisory Board Members:

Name: Role and Organisation:

Rosalind Singleton (Chair): UK Broadband Ltd

Prof. Adam Beaumont aql, University of Leeds

Alastair Davidson : Wireless Infrastructure Group

Alex Connock : Missile

Antonella Faniuolo : OFCOM

Catherine Michel : Sigma Systems

Chris Walker : QinetiQ

Claire Harvey : RedBee Media

David Stokes : BT

Dimitra Simeonidou : University of Bristol

Dritan Kaleshi : Digital Catapult

Eman Martin-Vignerte : Bosch

Howard Benn : Samsung

Ian Simmons : Magna International

John Naylon : CBNL

Keith Willetts Founder, : TM Forum

Keith Robson : 5G Innovation Centre and SetSquared

Mansoor Hanif : Independent (ex-BT)

Mark Stansfeld : giffgaff, WLEP and Midlands Engine

Martin Green : Visteon

Mike Short : Dept for International Trade / EM3 LEP

Paul Beastall : Cambridge Consultants

Rick Robinson : Arup, West Midlands LEP

Simon Fletcher : Real Wireless

Sylvia Lu : u-blox

About UK5G:

UK5G is a consortium partnership between Cambridge Wireless (CW), Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) and TM Forum. It also has the Digital Catapult and Real Wireless as associate partners.

CW is the leading international community for companies involved in the research, development and application of wireless and mobile, Internet, semiconductor and software technologies. With over 400 members from major network operators and device manufacturers to innovative start-ups and universities, CW stimulates debate and collaboration, harnesses and shares knowledge, and helps to build connections between academia and industry.

CW’s 20 Special Interest Groups (Groups) provide its members with a dynamic forum where they can network with their peers, track the latest technology trends and business developments and position their organisations in key market sectors. CW also organises major conferences and start-up competitions along with other high-quality industry networking events and dinners. With headquarters at the heart of Cambridge, UK, CW partners with other international industry clusters and organisations to extend its reach and remain at the forefront of global developments and business opportunities. For more information, head to www.cambridgewireless.co.uk

About the KTN:

The Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) is the UK’s innovation network, established by Innovate UK to help to deliver economic growth. We work to help businesses get the best out of creativity, ideas and the latest discoveries, to strengthen the UK economy and improve people’s lives.

As a network partner of Innovate UK, KTN links new ideas and opportunities with expertise, markets and finance through our network of businesses, universities, funders and investors. KTN combines in-depth knowledge in all sectors with the ability to cross boundaries, bringing together diverse sectors and providing tailored innovation insights.

TM Forum is an association of over 850 member companies generating US$2 trillion in revenue and serving five billion customers across 180 countries. We drive collaboration and collective problem solving to maximise the business success of communication and digital service providers and their ecosystem of suppliers around the world. Today, our focus is on supporting members as they navigate their unique digital transformation journeys, providing practical and proven assets and tools to accelerate execution and platforms to facilitate collaborative problem solving and innovation. Learn more at www.tmforum.org.

About UK Government 5G Strategy

For further information on the UK Government’s updated strategy: “Next Generation Mobile Technologies: An update to the 5G strategy for the UK”. For more information, visit: